Immediate danger or overdose? Call 911. Suicide crisis in Canada: call or text 988.
Explain it to me simply

What is withdrawal?

Withdrawal is the group of physical or emotional symptoms that can happen when a body has adapted to regular substance use and the amount is reduced or stopped. Symptoms vary by substance, dose, duration and health.

The important distinction

Feeling uncomfortable does not tell you whether it is safe to manage alone. Alcohol and sedative withdrawal can be dangerous; seek a medical assessment rather than stopping abruptly if you may be dependent.

What can I do next?

If you are planning to stop and are unsure about risk, speak with a clinician or withdrawal service first. Severe confusion, seizures, trouble breathing or inability to wake someone require 911.

Further reading: Official health source ↗

← All simple explanations